Category: S

sheep-dip: A chemical preparation used in a dipping bath to disinfect sheep to control diseases such as sheep scab. All sheep in Britain are dipped for scale once a year, following the ministerial decision to have a single national dip. Dipping ceased to be compulsory in the UK in 1992. It is illegal to buy organophosphorous sheep-dip without a certificate of competence. Farmers benefit from using sheep-dip to control diseases and maintain livestock health.

struck: an acute disease of sheep which is a form of entero-toxaemia. It affects sheep which are one to two years old and is very localised. In Britain, it occurs only in the Romney Marsh and in some Welsh valleys. Managing struck ensures sheep health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

set stocking: A grazing system associated with extensive grazing. Livestock graze an area where they remain for an indefinite period. This is the traditional practice in Britain. Farmers benefit from using set stocking systems for efficient and consistent livestock grazing.

sulphate: a salt of sulphuric acid and a metal. Understanding and using sulphates effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

stall: a single compartment in a stable or cowshed, where an animal can stand or lie down. Properly managing animal stalls ensures livestock health and comfort, supporting productivity and welfare.

spine: a pointed structure that is either a modified leaf, as in cacti, or part of a leaf or leaf base. Properly managing plants with spines ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

smut: a disease of cereal plants, caused by a fungus, that affects the development of the grain and makes it look black. Managing smut diseases ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

smoke: to preserve food by hanging it in the smoke from a fire. (NOTE: Smoking is used mainly for fish, but also for some bacon and cheese.) Using traditional smoking methods preserves food quality and extends shelf life, providing value-added products for farmers.

spading machine: a machine which uses rotating digger blades to cultivate compacted topsoil and dig out pans created by other cultivators. Using spading machines improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

sustainable production processes: agricultural production methods which do not damage or deplete natural resources. Adopting sustainable production processes ensures long-term productivity and environmental health, supporting farm profitability.